Alec Baldwin’s trial date for involuntary manslaughter on ‘Rust’ set for August amid his not guilty plea
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: Alec Baldwin will face trial in August for the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of ‘Rust’ in 2021.
The actor pleaded not guilty to the new charge of involuntary manslaughter last month for the second time.
Alec Baldwin’s second indictment and release conditions
Baldwin was indicted for the second time by a New Mexico grand jury on January 19, 2024, after the initial charges were dropped in April 2023.
He waived his right to an arraignment and entered his plea in court documents filed in January.
According to the court documents, Baldwin was released on his "personal recognizance", with several conditions, People reports.
He is not allowed to possess or use any firearm or dangerous weapon, consume drugs or alcohol, leave the country without the court’s permission, or violate any local, state, or federal laws.
Alec Baldwin’s role in ‘Rust’ and the shooting incident
Baldwin was the lead actor and producer of ‘Rust’, a Western film that was in production in New Mexico.
He was permitted by the court to promote the film, but not to discuss the shooting incident with anyone involved in the production or the alleged victims.
On October 21, 2021, Baldwin fired a prop gun that contained a live bullet, killing Hutchins, 42, and injuring director Joel Souza, 50.
Baldwin has claimed that he did not pull the trigger and that he was unaware that the gun was loaded with a live round.
Alec Baldwin’s support from SAG-AFTRA and criticism from Halyna Hutchins’ family
After his second indictment, Baldwin received public support from SAG-AFTRA, the union representing actors and other performers.
The union stated in January, saying that the charges were based on an incorrect assessment of the actor’s duties on set.
“An actor’s job is not to be a firearms or weapons expert,” the statement read. “Firearms are provided for use on set under the guidance of multiple expert professionals directly responsible for the safe and accurate operation of that firearm,” the statement added.
However, Baldwin’s plea and the union’s statement were criticized by Gloria Allred, an attorney for Hutchins’ family.
Allred said in a statement that the notion that an actor is not responsible for firing a gun on a movie set “flies in the face of common sense and the law.”
Baldwin faces up to 18 months in prison if he is convicted of his new charges of involuntary manslaughter (negligent use of a firearm) or involuntary manslaughter (without due caution or circumspection), according to New Mexico law.
His trial date is set for August 6, 2024. Baldwin’s lawyers Alex Spiro and Luke Nikas of Quinn Emanuel previously said in response to the indictment, "We look forward to our day in court.”
